Above the Sun: It is important to know where home really is

August 5, 2018

by Barrett Vanlandingham

          Northeastern Oklahoma is a very special place. This fact was brought to mind even more the other day when Lisa and I went to Oklahoma City to help two of our kids move. As we were on the way from Fort Gibson through Tulsa to OKC, I noticed our green rolling hills gradually disappearing with each mile, turning into red dirt, and lower altitude land forms, boring in comparison to what we see every day around here.

          For me and my family, this part of the state will always be home. But a day is coming when this place and any other place on this earth will not feel like home, and in fact, will no longer be our home.  There is an old song by Mary Reeves Davis that goes”

          “This world is not my home. I’m just a passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me from heavens open door and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.”

          As much as I love my life, my family, and my work, these things are just temporary. Nothing here on earth was ever meant to be permanent. This is why it is so important to put things into perspective: relationships, accomplishments, everything! Of course, I love my family. But if I do not teach them the things they need to know in order to go to heaven, my love for them was really all in vain.

          In the book of Matthew 16:24-25, Jesus tells His disciples that if they want to follow Him to heaven, they should put their life focus on God’s will, not on earthly things.

          “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).

          In Genesis 7:1, Hebrews 11:7, and 2 Peter 2:5, we are told that God allowed Noah and his whole family to enter the ark and escape destruction because Noah was a righteous man and also a preacher of righteousness.  It would have been easy for Noah to become discouraged when those people watching him build the ark would not listen to him. But Noah continued to preach, and his efforts paid off for his family because Noah was focused on God’s message and not his own. Noah knew that the earth in its current form was about to be destroyed by water. The earth we call our home will be destroyed again, not by water, but by fire. That is why it is so important for us to make decisions based on attaining life in our eternal home instead of only looking for happiness in this very temporary home.  Have a great week!

Above the Sun: Baptism is required by God’s authority

July 22, 2018

by Barrett Vanlandingham

            Most Christian groups agree that when it comes to Judgment Day, it will be important to have loved God and our neighbor. After all, Jesus said those are the greatest commands. But Jesus also said four times in a single chapter that loving Him also means obeying His commands (John 14:15,21,23,24).

That is where conflict arises today as followers of Jesus either don’t read the Bible enough to be informed about what to obey, or maybe they read but have put off obeying.

            Jesus’ expectations in the Great Commission are clear:

“Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

            Sadly, many choose to ignore such simple commands of our Lord.

            A young man told me the other day he had already been saved but he still needed to be baptized. I asked, “If you are already saved, why do you need to be baptized?” He agreed to a Bible study.

            After Peter preached the first Gospel sermon, many realized the One who was put to death on the cross was indeed the Son of God! They were “cut to the heart” and asked what they needed to do.

Peter told them: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit… Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added (by the Lord) to their number that day.” (Acts 2:38,41,47).          

Hearing and believing the story of Jesus, repenting (turning away from worldly ways), confessing what you believe, and being baptized is the New Testament pattern. Every person who became a believing follower of Jesus Christ was baptized. 

Anyone who would argue against baptism for salvation would have to throw out the books of Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:16, John 3:1-5, Acts 2:38, 10:34-48, 16:25-40, 19:1-5, 22:16, Romans 6:1-11, Galatians 3:26-27, Colossians 2:11-13, Titus 3:5-7, and 1 Peter 3:18-22.

I recently heard about a baptized believer who was arguing against the necessity of baptism. A friend of his said, “If you are so sure you’re right, you should not let your children be baptized.” The man changed his position.

The Bible says baptism washes our sins away so we can live a new life. It is part of God’s plan for your salvation. Have a great week!

Above the Sun: Jesus provides the best kind of hope!

by Barrett Vanlandingham

July 22, 2018

            The final part of my 5 part series on Reasons to Look Above the Sun is no doubt the most exciting part of all: Our Hope of Salvation!

            To hope means to desire something with confident expectation. In 1 John 5:13, the writer says the purpose of his letter was so Christians could “know” we have eternal life.

            Salvation is the deliverance from sin. Paul says the penalty for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23). But since everyone sins (Romans 3:23), Jesus Christ came to save us (John 3:15-16 and Acts 4:10-12).

            It does not matter if you are poor, disabled, imprisoned or whatever kind of “have not,” the hope of salvation is for anyone and everyone who is in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). It also does not increase your chances of salvation if you are among the “haves” since God does not care which country you’re from, what language you speak, or what you look like. God made this perfectly clear through Luke’s writings in Acts 10:9-48 when He allowed the Holy Spirit to be poured out on the Gentiles just to prove He no longer favored the Jews only.

            We can know for sure that God’s word is accurate. Yes, we must have faith like the “ancients” had (Hebrews 11), but it is not a blind faith, and neither was theirs. God has given us all kinds of evidence to prove His word is true, and that Jesus truly is His Son and our only hope of salvation.

            There are dozens of prophecies in the Old Covenant in places such as Isaiah 53, Genesis 49:10, Zechariah 9:9, Psalm 16:10, 34:20, and Micah 5:2 that give details about Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection up to a thousand years before He came to earth and fulfilled those prophecies.  There is evidence from the fields of archaeology, geography, science, medicine, and astronomy that prove the Bible’s accuracy regarding matters of healthcare, stars and plants, and precise locations of events.  And we must never forget those first century Christians who practiced their faith even in the face of persecution. Their example still encourages us to stay faithful.

             Our hope of salvation is in Jesus. Believe in Him (John 8:24). Repent by turning to Him in obedience (Acts 2:38 and Luke 13:3-5). Confess Him (Matthew 10:32-33). Be baptized for the forgiveness of sin to start a new life clothed in Him (Galatians 3:26-27 and Romans 6:1-11). Claim your victory now and in heaven through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57-58).

            Have a great week!

Above the Sun: It’s all about Jesus!

by Barrett Vanlandingham

July 15, 2018

            In part 4 of my series Reasons to Look Above the Sun, we’re going to look at Jesus and His perfect example. Jesus left His life in heaven to come down to earth so that we might follow His example of love and selflessness, and learn to be “above the sun” thinkers. He told us he was going to prepare a place for us, and that someday He would return to bring His faithful home.

            Jesus not only tells us how to live, He shows us. Jesus has done everything He expects us to do. Jesus is our perfect example of how to be human, humble, and faithful.

            In Hebrews 4:15 the writer says this about Jesus in regards to living as a human:  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

            Just think of all the ways you have been tempted. The Bible says Jesus knows exactly what that feels like to face temptation like yours. I have known people who were afraid to put on Christ in baptism (Galatians 3:26-27) because they didn’t feel like they were good enough to wear the name of Christ.  The fact is, none of us will ever be good enough. That is why He chose to become the perfect sacrifice for our sins.  He simply wants us to trust and obey. Grace does the rest!

            As for humility? In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul tells us Jesus served and humbled himself all the way to the cross. In John 13:13 we’re told that Jesus even washed his disciples’ feet. In our culture today, living with a humble attitude is something most of us probably do not see a lot of. Kali, one of my former youth group members, was in an airport recently with a college group when her flight was delayed. A man noticed how her group responded to the airport worker who informed them of the delay.  The man told Kali he could tell they were Christians by the humble way they responded. Living with an “above the sun” mentality makes a difference!

            Jesus was faithful.  In Matthew 26:36-42, Jesus prayed that if there was no other way to avoid dying on the cross, He would go along with His Father’s will. Christ was faithful and suffered for doing good. We as Christians should also expect to suffer for doing good. (1 Peter 2:19-21 and John 15:18-21).

            Jesus worked to show a lost world how to be human, humble and faithful in our “above the sun” journey.  Have a great week!

Above the Sun: True love and compassion are connected to obedience

by Barrett Vanlandingham

July 8, 2018

            In part 3 of my series Reasons to Look Above the Sun, the Christ-like qualities of agape’ love and compassion take center stage.

            While love can be defined as a strong and positive emotion of regard and affection, compassion could be defined as love put into action, especially in showing concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. It really is hard to separate the two. A person who truly loves is also a person who shows compassion.  It is painful to imagine a world without true love.

            Phileo is brotherly love or friendship love. 2 Peter 1:7-9 describes phileo love as brotherly kindness or brotherly affection. Agape’ is unconditional love. It is when we seek another’s highest good instead of only looking to please ourselves.

            In Matthew 22:37-38, Jesus talks about Agape’ love in response to the question: “Which is the greatest command in the Law?” He told them it was to agape’ (love) God and agape’ (love) your neighbor. In Luke 10:29, Jesus explained in the story of the Good Samaritan that anyone to whom you have opportunity to show mercy is your neighbor. So, Jesus not only defines the greatest commands, but explains on a practical level, we are to love both God and all people.  

            The apostle Paul echoes this thought when he writes, “Let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10).  This is a Christian’s motivation to bring more people into the church family.

            Can a person show or even understand true love if they are not a Christian? John says, “Love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7).  In John 14, Jesus makes it clear four times in this chapter alone that people who love Him are those who obey Him (John 14:15, 21, 23, 24).

            I know of many people who are not Christians, and yet, by earthly standards they are great people. They even do acts of kindness at the expense of their own comforts. There are no doubt countless humanitarians who do good deeds here on earth even though they never think “above the sun.”   Solomon says everything we do “under the sun” is meaningless (Ecclesiastes 1:14) if we do not obey God (12:13-14). Think of the opportunities that are missed when good deeds are done without telling someone about Jesus!

            God showed His love for us when He sent His Son to save us from sin. It was a selfless act that gives us a true picture of what it means to live life “above the sun.”  Have a great week!

Above the Sun: You can be joyful everyday

by Barrett Vanlandingham

June 24, 2018

          We have all woken up on the wrong side of the bed at one time or another. Sometimes there’s a good reason for it, and sometimes there’s not. But when it happens, you know it.

          In my next few articles, I will write about reasons to look above the sun.  True joy is one of those reasons, and you can experience it all day every day of your life if your focus is above the sun (heaven), instead of under the sun (earthly focus only).

          As I’ve mentioned before, Solomon used the phrase “under the sun” more than 30 times in the book of Ecclesiastes. He writes that everything under the sun is meaningless. All of our best efforts to accomplish anything, and even the results of our worldly efforts are meaningless. The only way this is not true is when our efforts are attached to goals that are above the sun. In other words, what happens on earth stays on earth unless our worldly accomplishments lead to a heavenly end.

          My 80-year old dad retired at age 65. For 36 years, he owned and managed the Sonic Drive-In in Tahlequah from 1968 to 2004. He sacrificed a lot. It made for many long days, but it paid the bills. His consistency and hard work was rewarded year after year with the title of #1 in sales in the nation. But even though his earthly accomplishments got him a lot of well-deserved awards, it was his “above the sun” accomplishments that meant the most to him. I don’t even know how many Bible studies, baptisms, rides to church, and visits about life with his employees he was involved in over the years. His employees witnessed his work ethic and joy, and they knew he had something they needed. This opened the door to many “above the sun” conversations.

           Joy is God-given gladness, not temporary emotion like happiness. In John’s Gospel, Jesus portrays joy as the offspring of obedience to his command to love.

          “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:9-12).

          We are commanded to love as Jesus loves. Obeying Jesus’ love command is the doorway to joy here on earth, and in heaven.  Have a great week!

Above the Sun: Our souls need watering, too

by Barrett Vanlandingham

June 17, 2018

          Thank goodness I have a green thumb wife to make our yard look presentable. If it were up to me, we would have a nicely mown yard, but with no flowers, shrubs, or pergola with wisteria vine. Thanks to God for giving me a wife who has a passion for decorating our yard with warm and inviting shades of color and design.

          The other day she told me she had forgotten to water her Rose of Sharon that she had recently planted.  It was in sad shape, and would be on its way to flower heaven if it didn’t get a drink soon.  She quenched its critical thirst with a big gulp from the garden hose, and it quickly revived.

          When Lisa came in from watering, she said, “I have an idea for your next article!” She told me how sometimes we plant things in our yard, but if we forget to nurture them, they will die. She said that’s the way new Christians are, and even old Christians who have moved into a new church family.  We pride ourselves on saying, “Come be a part of our church!”  We give ourselves an extra pat on the back if we manage to get someone in the doors.  We may even invite them to lunch.  After a while, we assume they’ve experienced all the hospitality required to make them a solid and productive member.  So, we turn our attention elsewhere, neglecting to water the flowers we planted. Eventually, they wilt or even disappear.

          Remember Paul’s words: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

          Notice here that Paul doesn’t say how long is long enough to nurture a brother or sister in Christ.  It is different for everyone. Even Paul had a hard time figuring out when to stop providing spiritual milk or basic truths to new Christians, and start feeding solid food or deeper truths.

          “I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready” (1 Corinthians 3:2).

           We may wonder when God is going to get around to growing someone’s faith since that is His job. Well, some people just need a little more watering than others. That’s our job. We as Christians should all work together in partnership with God, being there for each other, and praying for each other for when the day of trouble comes and we find ourselves in a spiritual drought. God bless, and have a great week!

Above the Sun: Evil can be hard to spot until it’s too late

by Barrett Vanlandingham

June 10, 2018

          This season of lawn care at the Vanlandingham house is going to see some changes. For years now, I have worked hard to make sure my lawn looks good. I keep it mowed, but not too low so as not to scorch. I keep it watered. I keep it fed and protected with all the right stuff.  But when July rolls around, a recurring enemy wreaks havoc on my most sincere efforts every… single… year.

          Just when I think my lawn is going to look good for an entire summer, I walk out of my house and notice a pile of dirt in the middle of my yard. I go over to check it out, and as I get closer to it, my feet sink into multiple underground tunnels. The moles have arrived. But this time, I am trying a new method to discourage the moles from taking up residence in my yard.  Someone told me, “Why don’t you just kill their food source, grubs!”  Brilliant! Why haven’t I thought of that? All along I had only been targeting what I could see, the moles themselves. I had never considered targeting the underground food source the moles were actually after.

          Judging by Paul’s letter, Christians in Ephesus may have very well made the same mistake of focusing only on what they could see, at least when it came to doing battle with Satan. As humans, we forget what is behind evil. We look at someone who does us wrong, and then use that pain as an excuse for turning away from God instead of holding more closely to Him. Or we see something we want, and somehow justify going against God to get it. Evil works quickly, quietly, and in the dark or in secret so as to inflict the most damage. Sadly, too many people try their own method of solving their problems before trusting God.

          In Paul’s closing remarks in a letter to the Ephesian church, he had this to say:

          “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).

          Paul encourages these Christians to pay close attention to God’s truths, the building of their faith, and being ready at all times. Paul’s big finish focuses almost entirely on the importance of prayer, which is one of the most effective ways of strengthening our connection with God. He knows where evil lurks, and He is the only One who can defeat it. Have a great week!

Above the Sun: Jesus wants you to say yes!

by Barrett Vanlandingham

June 3, 2018

          There is not a memory that brings me more joy than when Lisa and I first met, became friends, and began a dating relationship. We dated four and a half years before I asked her to marry me.

          It was on a December family vacation in South Padre in 1988. But it feels like it was only yesterday that my sister, Jana, said, “Barrett, if you are going to ask her, you better do it because it is 10:30pm, and we’re all leaving tomorrow.” So I secretly grabbed the ring, wrapped it in a beach towel, and asked Lisa to go for a walk with me. We both still had sand and dirt on our skin and in our hair from going four-wheeling earlier in the day, and we were still wearing the same shirts and shorts. Not exactly a picture of glamourous picture.

          We sat down at a quiet thatched-roof open-air hut where we could see the waves rolling in. We had been collecting sea shells. I showed her one in my hand I wanted her to take. She grabbed the shell and saw the ring under it. I said, “Will you marry me?”  She started laughing hysterically until I finally said, “So will you?”  She nodded and laughed-out what appeared to be a “yes!”  We got married six months later on June 3, 1989.  Happy anniversary!

          Later, I asked Lisa why she was laughing to the point of not being able to answer my very important question.  She said it was because she had always imagined we would get engaged over a candlelight dinner, all dressed up. She never pictured this all-important event happening in day-old beach clothes with slightly matted and dirty hair. I told her I didn’t even notice what she was wearing or what her hair and make-up looked like. I didn’t notice she had sand and dirt on her skin. I didn’t notice anything except for how beautiful she looked and how excited I was to spend the rest of my life with her.

          That’s the way Jesus feels about each of us. He doesn’t require or expect us to be perfect or clean when we come to Him. That’s His job. When we put our faith (belief) and obedience in Jesus as the Son of God, we put Him on in baptism. His Holy Spirit makes His home with us, and our sins are forgiven. (ref: John 8:24, Acts 2:38, Romans 6:1-11, Galatians 3:26-27)) In the end, this is the most important relationship of all.  Have a great week!

Above the Sun: Learning to trust God is worth the effort

by Barrett Vanlandingham

May 27, 2018

          Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. He said, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

          In my professional life, I have everything scheduled out from three to nine months ahead. Sometimes more! But as I have gotten better at my job, I have stumbled more frequently into the temptation of trusting self instead of God. I teach others to trust. But when I am tested, I find it really hard to practice what I teach. Academically, I am all about trusting God. I know that trusting God and seeing how He solves problems in His time develops faith and spiritual strength. But when a crisis arises, old man worry always comes knockin’.

          I am pretty sure I am going through a season of life where God is helping me to learn to trust Him. There are just too many things going on right now that I have absolutely no control over. Watching my kids learn to adult is at the top of my worry list. Strangely enough, the very thing that gives me so much comfort and joy is also the thing that makes me worry the most: free will. It is that variable that can be affected by human weakness. As a parent, letting go while still being supportive is quite a tight rope act. Maybe you have felt this way, too.

          There is hope. The prophet Isaiah says that when God’s word goes out to someone it will not return to God empty handed, “but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). This passage gives me great comfort. But if you’re like me, you wonder just how long it takes for God’s word to circle back to Him, having accomplished its purpose. I want immediate results in my time, not His. The only problem with this way of thinking is that my timing is never as effective as God’s.

           “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15).  God spoke these words to His chosen people, the Israelites, as a reminder that they needed to trust Him for their protection instead of going back to Pharaoh and Egypt. But God assured them that as soon as He hears their cry for help, he would answer (30:19) and they would see that they should have trusted Him all along.  Have a great week!

Above the Sun: Ignoring God’s word is a bad idea

by Barrett Vanlandingham

May 20, 2018

          My handyman brother, David, came up from Louisiana a few days ago. He came by the house for breakfast and just a good visit to catch up on everything. I fixed us an old family recipe of homemade biscuits (with sorghum), bacon, scrambled eggs, along with coffee and a tall glass of milk. Breakfast is kind of my thing.

          As he was leaving my house, we noticed the front door was a little crooked, which made it difficult to open and close. Lately, it had been getting worse. The screws had worked loose and fallen out of the bottom hinge. Truth is, I had been ignoring this problem, and putting up with it for a year or two. I thought I had fixed it a couple of times before, but all I did was put the screws back into holes that had been stripped out too much to hold. David immediately went to his Jeep and got his cordless drill/screwdriver. He stuffed the holes full of toothpicks so the screws would have some wood to hang onto, and had my problem fixed in about five minutes. The door hangs straight, and opens and closes effortlessly!

          It is amazing to watch someone work when they have the right knowledge, tools, and passion to accomplish what would be a frustrating task for someone else. We all know people (or have been there ourselves) who keep making the same mistakes, and keep suffering the same consequences over and over.  The Lord’s brother, James, had a passion for warning the early church to remember to pursue righteousness, and to get a handle on their anger and moral filth.

          “²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³ Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do” (James 1:22-25).

          Forgetting what we look like after glancing away from the mirror would seem strange. In Matthew 14:30, Peter began to sink when “he saw the wind” instead of fixing his eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). Christians today must remember put to good use the tools Jesus provides for our spiritual journey.  Have a great week!

Above the Sun: Graduating seniors must learn to discern

by Barrett Vanlandingham

May 13, 2018

          The other day my friend Leon dropped by the church offices to say hi to our church secretary (his wife, Janet). I was trying to think of something to write about regarding graduation. So, I asked Leon for an idea. He said the only thing on his mind at the moment was the weed-eating task he was trying to complete on the church grounds.  BINGO.

          It’s a special time of year for graduates everywhere. They are not only graduating from something, they are also graduating to something, a life of endless possibilities!  The opportunities and dangers will both come quickly and when they least expect it. So, graduates must learn as soon as possible which things to cultivate, and which things to cut.

          The apostle Paul said, ”¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

          In chapter five, Paul specifically mentions issues that Christians in Ephesus had dealt with: sexual immorality, sins of the mouth, greed, idolatry, and drunkenness along with the sins it promotes. He told Christians in Colossae the same thing, and added this:

          “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17).

          This passage is a really good measuring stick to help graduating seniors and the rest of us decide what God wants us to keep and what to cut from our lives (John 15:2-6). If whatever we say, do, and think can be done with the blessing of Jesus, then it stays because it is good fruit growing in our lives. If not, then the limbs and the bad fruit have to be cut. Paul repeats this idea in Philippians 4:8 to Christians in Philippi, reminding them to allow their minds to be occupied only by good things.

          I wish I could tell Paul that time has made morality a priority since the first century. But one quick look at the nightly news says otherwise, and even refutes those who think the Bible is too old and outdated to be relevant today.

          God’s word is STILL right on target, a much needed silver lining to all of the hurdles and forks in the road ahead for a younger generation that needs the rock steady foundation of God’s truths more than ever. Have a great day!

Above the Sun: Encouraging words go further than you think

by Barrett Vanlandingham

May 6, 2018

          Proverbs 16:24 says, “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

          There is good reason God’s Word, the Bible, speaks so much about the importance of the words we choose to use in our conversations with others, or even when no one else is around. The words we use really do make a difference in how other people feel, and how we feel about ourselves and others.

          Recently, my friend and coworker, Steve Parker, told me about a conversation his wife, Charlotte, had with a 97-year old woman she met the other day. When the woman discovered that Charlotte’s husband is one of the ministers at the Fort Gibson church of Christ, she let Charlotte know she reads my column, every week, and even cuts them out of her paper to save.

          I just want to say “Thank you” to that sweet 97-year old woman for passing along such encouraging words. It really did make a difference in my day and in the days since.

My wife, Lisa, is also an encourager. After hearing this story, she reminded me that my columns are probably stuck on refrigerators everywhere!  Thanks honey, no pressure (smile). I am just seriously humbled that out of all of the things a 97-year old woman has seen and heard, she regards my column as something worth saving. I will say it again, I am truly humbled by this.

          Words of encouragement always seem to come along at just the right time, don’t they? Sometimes, we offer or receive encouraging words face to face. Other times, we receive encouragement from someone who spoke with someone else, or overheard a conversation. The reverse is also true. That is why it is important to remember that once our words leave our mouths, they can travel long distances. This is why we should heed the words the apostle Paul wrote to Christians in Colossae:

          “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6).

          Paul is aware that Christians there have lots of opportunity to speak with outsiders. He instructs them to speak in a way that would encourage non-Christians and Christians alike. In context, Paul places encouraging speech in the same category as prayer, thankfulness, teaching the good news of Jesus, and being wise in conduct. The same is true for us today. Have a great week!

Above the Sun: Don’t choke on the devil blowing smoke

by Barrett Vanlandingham

April 29, 2018

          Grassfires and forest fires in Oklahoma have been pretty bad lately.  When any natural (or not natural) disaster causes loss of property or life, we often question God.

          As Christians, we know it’s best to think “above the sun.” From Ecclesiastes, we know everything on earth or “under the sun” is meaningless (or at best temporary), and we should put our hope in God and His promises which are “above the sun.”  But sometimes it is hard to think “above the sun” when you look up and only see smoke.

          The devil is good at placing smoke screens in our way to deceive or distract us from what we know to be God’s truths. This has been going on since the beginning of mankind.

          In Genesis 3, we read about the smoke screen of lies that started in the Garden of Eden just after God told Adam to take care of the garden. He was not to eat from one certain tree or he would die. But when Satan approached Adam’s woman named Eve, he convinced her it would be okay. And it wasn’t that hard. The devil changed just ONE word of God’s command, and then threw up a smoke screen that twisted the consequences. The devil said to Eve, “You will not die”… “You will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

          Eve got too close to the devil’s trap. She engaged in conversation with him even though she knew he was lying. The more time she spent with him blowing smoke, the harder it was to see the truth. Eventually, the devil’s argument was so convincing she fell for it. Then, she went to Adam and convinced him to go against God’s will that had been so clearly stated.

          It was in the cool of the day that Adam and Eve heard God walking in the garden. This may have been a common occurrence. But this time things were different. Adam and Eve were afraid of God because they now realized they had disobeyed. Instead of trusting that God knew what was best for them, they had taken their eyes off of Him and began to focus on the beauty of the forbidden fruit. In other words, they had begun to look “under the sun” for things that would make them happy.

          When the trials of life come your way, remember to look “above the sun” for answers from the One who will save us in the end.  Have a great week!

Above the Sun: The Christian walk is a full-time ministry

by Barrett Vanlandingham

April 22, 2018

          Somebody recently asked me about my philosophy of ministry.  Paid minister or “Joe Christian” just trying to please God, I think the philosophy of ministry is the same. All Christians are part of a royal priesthood, and we are all to teach (1 Peter 2:9, Matthew 28:19-20).

          Christians must make sure everything we do, say, or think can be done in the name of the Lord (Colossians 3:17, Philippians 4:8), and keeps in step with God’s inspired word (Galatians 5:25, 2 Timothy 3:16-17).  Any other way would not only send us in the wrong direction, but those who follow our example.

          As for specifics in ministry philosophy? Praying to God is the best place to start (1 John 5:15). Also listening to God and to each other (Matthews 7:24, Romans 10:17, and James 1:19).

          We must continually increase in knowledge of God’s word in order to do any kind of effective ministry (2 Pet. 1:8), and remember people do not care how much knowledge you have if you don’t have the right attitude. Christians must speak the truth, but always in a spirit of love (Ephesians 4:15). 

          When people trust that you have their best interest at heart, they will be more likely to listen to what you have to say. Then, you may have the opportunity to tell someone about the hope you have in Christ Jesus (1 Pet. 3:15). Every Christian’s faith journey is a ministry, and is just as much about what we do as what we say and believe (James 2:26 and Matthew 12:36-37).

          Ministry is messy. People have many different ways they learn. So we as ministers (yes, all Christians) must be patient with each other as we all take advantage of every Biblically backed means necessary to reach out and bring souls to the Lord.

          Jesus used miracles and even something as simple as writing in the dirt to make His point. The Pharisees criticized Jesus for healing on the Sabbath, and allowing His disciples to pick grain on the Sabbath (Luke 6). Jesus showed common sense and grace.

          God has always used creative ways to effectively get people’s attention. In fact, when the Lord brings us home to heaven, we will hear a blast from the trumpet of God, and we will see Jesus coming in the clouds (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

          Bottom line? Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And love all people (Mark 12:28-34).  Have a great week!

Above the Sun: Be Prepared for Christ’s Return!

by Barrett Vanlandingham

April 15, 2018

          You’ve just got to love when April 15th falls on Sunday. This means two extra days to get your taxes filed! While deadlines are nice to mark on our calendars, there is one very important day no one can predict.

          It’s called Judgment Day. This is one deadline none of us will miss, and definitely one we all want to be ready for. We can be ready if we live our lives in obedience to Jesus Christ, with “above the sun” mindsets instead of placing our priorities in things “under the sun” as Solomon writes about in Ecclesiastes.

          The Bible speaks of being prepared in a couple of ways:  Peter reminds Christians to be prepared to tell others why we have hope (1 Pet. 3:15). And then Paul says when it comes to teaching, Christians should “be prepared in season and out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2).  

          By being prepared to teach others about what Jesus has done for us, and about God’s will for all people, this keeps our mind focused on what’s important.  It also puts us in a unique position to partner with Christ in saving souls by reaching out to the broken and lost. This task was one of Jesus’ very last commands before He ascended back to His father (Mathew 28:19-20).

          The second way the Bible speaks of being prepared is closely connected to the first: being prepared for Christ’s return.

          Jesus said, “But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Luke 12:39-40).

          The most studied Bible scholars have no idea when that will happen. The good thing about Judgment Day is that we do not need anyone to predict when it will happen, as long as we know it will happen, and we do. The Bible says, “People are destined to die once, and then face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).  That’s pretty clear.

          Are you committed to Jesus Christ? Have you obeyed His plan for your salvation? Remember, being in a right relationship with Christ is not just a one-time event, and it is not just about what you believe. It is also a lifestyle.   If you are not sure you are prepared for the Day He is coming back, just know you can be. There are many in our church family who would love to study further with you about this. Have a great week!

Above the Sun: There is good reason to keep your head up

by Barrett Vanlandingham

April 8, 2018

         

          As you may have noticed, the title of my column has been changed to “Above the Sun” instead of “Fort Faith,” the title it had for the last 11 years. The new title and positioning in the Sunday paper will invite a larger audience than when it reached out mainly to Fort Gibson readers in the Tuesday edition.

          The reason I chose “Above the Sun” is because of the many times the wisest man who ever lived, Solomon, used the phrase “under the sun” in Ecclesiastes. One of the more famous uses of this phrase was when Solomon said “there is nothing new under the sun” (Eccl 1:9). In fact, he spends much of his time in this Old Testament book writing about the meaninglessness of wisdom, pleasure, labor, riches, and pretty much everything else mankind experiences “under the sun.” According to Solomon, things here on planet earth are pretty bleak.

          If there is one thing people today should learn from Solomon’s search for meaning in life, it would be that it cannot be found by looking “under the sun.”  He repeats “under the sun” or “under the heavens” more than 30 times in less than complimentary terms. So, if Solomon was not very impressed with chasing things “under the sun,” maybe we should be looking “above the sun” for meaning in life.  At the end of Ecclesiastes, Solomon says, “Here is the conclusion of the matter: fear God and keep his commandments” (12:13).

          About 900 years later, Jesus came on the scene and chose fishermen: Peter, Andrew, James, and John to be His first disciples. Jesus performed a miracle by allowing them to catch so many fish that their boats began to sink (Luke 5:1-7). Then, He told them from now on they would “fish for people” (Matthew 4:18-22 and Luke 5:10).

          Up until that point, these fishermen were “under the sun” thinkers, only concerned with catching fish. When Jesus entered the picture, they learned to think “above the sun.” He helped them understand joy in this life is only possible when we connect our lives here to our ultimate destination. Catching fish is fine, but catching souls and going to heaven is better. Have a great week!

Above the Sun: There is always more to learn about Easter

by Barrett Vanlandingham

March 27, 2018

          On behalf of children everywhere, please restrain yourselves from telling the kids to go hunt Easter eggs you haven’t hidden yet just so you can say, “April Fools!!”

          The last time Easter Sunday fell on April 1^st was in 1998, and the next time will be in 2029. So if your 2-year old doesn’t get the joke this time, you can always try it again when they’re 13 (smile).

          The floating date of Easter was decided long ago. In 325 A.D. Roman Emperor Constantine gathered 300 church leaders from several countries to have a meeting in Nicaea (in Turkey). Their discussions decided Easter should not coincide with a particular phase of the moon. This resulted in Easter being placed on or after the first day of spring (vernal equinox) on the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring.

          We can be sure that today’s Easter celebrations of Jesus’ resurrection take place during the correct season because Jesus ate the Jewish Passover meal the same week He was crucified. The Passover celebration always took place the same time of year.

          On Thursday of that week, after Jesus and His disciples ate the Passover meal (aka: Last Supper), the Jewish supreme court, known as the Sanhedrin, had Jesus arrested and convicted on false charges. On Friday, the Romans crucified Jesus. Then, a wealthy member of the court who was a secret follower of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea, got permission from the governor of Judea, Pilate, to take down Jesus’ body, wrap it, and place it in a “tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid” (Luke 23:53).  

          We do not know much about Joseph, except for his generosity that day, and the fact that he did not consent to the crucifixion (Luke 23:51). We can only presume that if word got out about who cared for Jesus’ body, Joseph would have faced great persecution, along with his helper and co-council member, Nicodemus.

          Something tells me that when the events of Sunday came, those who believed in Jesus knew without a doubt that any trouble they faced in this life because of Jesus would have been worth it. The same is true today.  Have a great week!

Some memories may never go away

by Barrett Vanlandingham

March 20, 2018

          With Easter only two more Sundays away, I can’t help but feel a little nostalgic thinking about family gatherings over the years. And though they get harder to remember with each passing year, it occurs to me that memories may last longer than we think.

          In the after-life, whether saved or unsaved, our family and friends will remember life on earth. It makes sense that heaven will seem sweeter if we are able to remember how we got there. Likewise, those who receive eternal punishment will be more remorseful by remembering their choices. In either case, earthly memories will figure in to how “we’ll understand it all by and by.”

          In the after-life story of the rich man who was in “Torment”, and poor man Lazarus who was in “Abraham’s side” or “Paradise,” Abraham indicates he was aware of the unfortunate relationship between the rich man and Lazarus while they were living, and how the rich man showed little, if any, compassion. Abraham basically said it was too late for the rich man to change his sad outcome.

          The rich man wanted Lazarus to bring him some cool water, but the separation between them prevented this. The rich man also wanted Lazarus to go back to his father’s house to warn his five living brothers so they could repent (Luke 16:19-31). Abraham said the rich man’s brothers wouldn’t listen anyway, even if the messenger were a resurrected dead man!       

          By the way, Abraham’s talk of living people and a messenger’s resurrection from the dead seems to indicate the immediate after-life mentioned here is not the same as heaven or hell which comes at Judgment Day.

          Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John each have wonderful accounts of the resurrection of Jesus, and of His interactions with friends afterwards. It will be amazing someday to stand in the same circle with men and women who witnessed Jesus’ final days here, and to see their faces as they remember, and tell their stories of gratitude.

          I encourage each of you to spend time with God, family, and friends on Easter Sunday and every day possible. And even though our special memories here will fade with time, that won’t be the case forever.  Have a great week!

Counting down to Easter with special memories

by Barrett Vanlandingham

March 13, 2018

          When I was a kid, one of my favorite things was to smell the roses and irises that bloomed in our front yard in the spring. It was a close race on which one smelled the best.

          One year, I remember asking my mom if I could cut off one of the roses for me to wear to church that morning because it was Easter Sunday. I remember that day well because I figured the answer would probably be “no” since the rose bushes were quite a showpiece for our yard. But to my surprise and joy, my mom said, “sure!”  There were bunches of them, so I picked the one I wanted, and mom helped me pin it to my suit jacket.

          That was a good day. I wore that rose to church with pride. I don’t remember if any of the other boys got to wear a rose. But I am thankful I did. The sunshine that day, the roses, and the satisfaction of getting to wear a rose on Easter Sunday has stuck in my mind ever since.

          I knew that particular Sunday, out of all the others in the year, must be very special since my mom let me pick that rose.  I would find out later that, in fact, Easter Sunday is more significant than I ever knew! It is the day that Christians all around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the day in history that proved to the world that Jesus was actually the “anointed one” or “the Christ.” He was and still is the Son of God!

          Jesus’ identity as the Son of God was proven to be true by the empty grave, and by his many appearances to hundreds of people during the forty days he spent on earth between the resurrection and his ascension to the Father.

          The resurrected Jesus was not a ghost. His disciples grabbed hold of his feet and worshipped him, Thomas felt Jesus’ scars. Other disciples ate meals with Him.

          The probability of a risen Savior is believable, not just because of the mountains of Bible and non-Bible evidence, but because of the countless lives that have been changed for the better. Have a great week!

Easter really is a big deal

by Barrett Vanlandingham

March 6, 2018

          In less than a month, people everywhere will be celebrating Easter. Many locals here in Fort Gibson will bring their children to our church grounds for a massive egg hunt on Saturday, March 31 at 1:00pm. Others will celebrate by participating in a special Easter worship service that focuses on Christ’s resurrection.

          I enjoy both kinds of celebration. After all, who doesn’t like to watch children hunting eggs, and who doesn’t like to hear the story of Jesus’ resurrection in a worship setting or in a play? The Bible is a huge fan of events that bring people together, and provide opportunities for Christians to practice hospitality in our communities (Luke 14:12-14, Matthew 25:34-40, 1 Peter 4:8-9, Romans 12:13-20). There may not be a command of “Thou shalt celebrate Easter” in the Bible, but we no doubt are directed to meet (Hebrews 10:25) and learn God's word.

          Some of the final words Jesus spoke are recorded in the Great Commission. It’s where Jesus told his disciples to go and make more followers, baptizing them and “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).  The word “all” is a very big word and would certainly include teachings about the resurrection which is key to making followers.

          The apostle Paul told young Timothy that “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).  Once again, the word “all” is used, followed by several descriptions of how the stories of the Bible are to be used.

          After Jesus healed a man possessed by a demon, Jesus told him to “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you” (Mark 5:19). There is no greater gift to tell people about than the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

          Christ commanded his disciples to “be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Jesus said those words after His resurrection from the tomb, just before He ascended back to His Father. His followers had an obligation to tell others about these wonderful events! We do too.  Have a great week!